Drinking receptacle



Dec. 3, 1957 M. J. KRAMER DRINKING RECEPTACLE -2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 12, 1955 1:1 MII FIG.-4

FlG.-3

INVENTOR. Matthew J. Kramer ATTORNEY Dec. 3, 1957 M. J. KRAMER 2,815,161

DRINKING RECEPTACLE Filed Aug. 12, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. Matthew J. Kramer- BY ATTORNEY DPJNKENG RECEPTACLE Matthew J. Kramer, Denver, Colo.

Application August 12, 1955, Serial N 0. 528,056

16 Claims. (Cl. 2291.5)

This invention relates to receptacles, and more particularly to a receptacle adapted to contain liquid and to be used for drinking purposes. This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application (now forfeited) Serial No. 27,022, filed May 14, 1948, of which my copcnding application Se1ial No. 472,842, filed December 3 1954, is a division.

Receptacles such as glasses, cups and the like, adapted to contain water or a beverage such as coffee, milk, or non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage, are generally open at the top and utilized for drinking purposes by tipping the same, with the mouth of the user in engagement with the upper end or rim of the receptacle When such receptacles are used during airplane flights, or in other conveyances such as trains or automobiles, the contents are quite likely to be spilled or projected out of the receptacle, as by a sudden movement of the user, or a sudden drop when the plane hits an air pocket, with the result that the contents may be spilled over the clothing of the user. Also, when receptacles such as beverage glasses are utilized at bridge tables or other places in which a person may accidentally strike and topple the receptacle over, the contents immediately are discharged, sometimes onto a persons clothing, or perhaps onto a card table or onto an expensive rug. In addition, cups or glasses for use by infants, particularly during early training periods, may be knocked over, waved about, or tipped to a position in which the liquid would ordinarily be discharged therefrom.

Among the objects of this invention are to provide a receptacle which is adapted to contain liquid and to be used for drinking purposes, but the contents of which are diihcult to spill; to provide such a receptacle wherein access is readily obtained to the liquid contents, as for stirring or placing sugar, cream or the like in a beverage such as coffee or tea; to provide such a receptacle which is also readily filled with liquid; to provide such a receptacle which may be made of different materials, and which may take any one of several forms; and to provide such a receptacle which is relatively readily manufactured and is convenient to use. Additional objects and the novel features of this invention will become apparent from the escription which follows.

In general, the principles of this invention may be applied to a receptacle adapted to contain liquid and to be used for drinking purposes and the like, such as a cup or glass, and comprises the combination of a transverse slot in the side wall of the receptacle above the normal level of liquid, with a partition adapted to extend through the slot and substantially across the inside of the receptacle, the partition being movable in the slot from a substantially open position to a substantially closed position. In closed position, the partition preferably provides a restricted space for the flow of a small amount of liquid, as in drinking. Preferably, this space provided by the partition is opposite the slot, so that when the cup or glass is tipped for drinking, there will be no leakage through the slot, in case the partition does 2,815,161 Patented Dec. 3, 1957 ice not form a complete seal at the slot. Thus, in the open position, relatively free access to the liquid in the cup or glass is obtained, and in closed position, the partition tends to prevent the spilling of the entire contents, or the upward movement or ejection of liquid from the cup or glass as a consequence of a sudden downward movement thereof, as when an airplane hits a downdraft, air pocket or the like. The receptacle and partition may, of course, be made of different materials, and the invention may be embodied in several difierent forms, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a drinking receptacle of a type commonly made of paper, and comprising one embodiment of this invention;

Fig. 2 is a transverse section taken along line 22 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of a drinking receptacle provided with an alternative construction of the partition forming a part of the embodiment of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a similar top plan View, illustrating another alternative construction of the partition;

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of a drinking receptacle which is conveniently made of plastic and comprising another embodiment of this invention;

Fig. 6 is a transverse section taken along line 66 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a transverse section similar to Fig. 6, but illustrating different positions of the partition, as during movement thereof between closed and open positions;

Fig. 8 is a cross section of the partition, taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 7; and

Fig. 9 is a transverse section similar to Fig. 6, but illustrating an alternative construction of the partition.

As in Figs. 1 and 2, the principles of this invention may be applied to a paper cup C, the paper being coated with parafiin or other liquid impervious material, and the cup being conveniently provided at its upper end with a rim 10. Beneath the rim 1t and preferably just above the normal level of liquid to be placed in the cup C, is a transverse slot 11, which may extend for slightly less than around the side wall of the cup C. A partition 12 is disposed within the slot 11, and is adapted to be moved from a substantially closed position, shown in full lines, to a substantially open position, shown by dot-dash lines 14-, or to an intermediate position, such as shown by the dotted lines 13. The front side or edge 15 of the partition 12opposite the slot 11may be an arcuate curve having a radius greater than that of the inside of the cup at that elevation, to provide a restricted opening or space 16 through which a suiiicient amount of liquid for drinking purposes may pass. The partition 12 may be made of any suitable material, cardboard or the like being preferred when the cup itself is made of paper, so as to disposable after being used once. Or, if the cup is made of plastic, the partition may be made of the same material.

To permit the partition 12 to be moved readily from open position to closed position, and vice versa, the lateral edges 17 may be straight, the width of the partition between the lateral edges 17 being substantially equal to the distance across the inner edges of the slot 11. Also, the partition 12 preferably extends outwardly from the cup, even in closed position, thereby forming a tab 18 which may be grasped by the user in moving the partition to the desired position. This tab may have the form shown in Fig. 2, in which the rear edge is straight, or the form shown in Figs. 3 and 4, wherein the tabs 18 are arcuately curved, corresponding to the curvature of the outside of the cup. Also, a transverse ledge or shoulder 19 may be provided at each side, to assist in positioning the partition 12 in the slot 11, by engagement with =19 the inner edges of the slot slightly before or simultaneously with abutment of the sides of front edge with the inside of the cup.

The partition 12 may be made in any one of several different forms, in addition to that shown in Fig. 2. Thus, as in Fig. 3, the front edge 20 of an alternative partition 12 has a radius more nearly approaching that of the inside of the cup at the elevation of the partition, thus leaving a smaller space 16'. Or, as in 'Fig. 4, the front edge may be concave, as by an arcuate hole 21 in the front edge of an alternative partition 12", which provides a correspondingly shaped restricted opening, the remaining portions 22 of the front edge of the partition 12" being arcuate curves substantially corresponding in radius to the curvature of the inside of the cup. On each of partitions 12 and 12", straight lateral edges 17 may be provided, to permit the partition .to slide more readily inwardly and outwardly in the slot 11. Also, the shoulders 19 of tabs 18 may slope rearwardly, rather than extending transversely. The partitions 1'2 and 12" .of Figs. 3 and 4, respectively, are movable to positions corresponding to those referred to above in connection with partition 12 of Fig. 2.

As will be evident, when in'the open position indicated bythe dot-dash lines '14 of Fig. 2, relatively complete access to the contents ofthe cup is obtainable,'but in'the closed or'full position, only a small space at the front and smaller spaces at'the sides .ofithecup are open, while the same is true of the corresponding positions of thepartitions "12 and '12 of Figs. 3 and 4, respectively. Thus, upon a sudden downward movement of the cup, thecentral spout of liquid, which is normally ejected from the cup, will be restrained by the partition. Although a very small amount of liquid may be ejected through the spaces along the wall of the'cup, this liquid does not tend to be discharged from the confines of the cup, but rather to flow over onto the partition and then back into the cup, beneath the partition.

'When'the partition 12 is'made of paper or cardboard, it is especially adapted to be provided with advertising or similar material imprinted thereon. Also, the flat upper surface of the partition is a convenient place to put marks identifying a club or the like, or private owner, such as a monogram or other decorative figures.

When the receptacle is normally made of a difierent material, such as plastic,.as in the case of the cup C' of Figs. 5-9, a slightly different construction may be'utilized. Thus, the cup C may be provided with a side wall 27, a bottom 28 spaced from the lower edge of the cup which is provided with a downwardly extending rim or head 29, while the upper edge of the wall 27 may be provided with a rim or bead 30 for reinforcing purposes. As shown, the cup is preferably circular in cross section and at least circular in cross section at a slot 31, which is spaced below the upper edge and may extend for 180 or slightly more, but preferably less, such asbetween 178 and 180. When the cup C is made of a material stronger than paper, such as plastic, then the slot 31 does not detract as much from the strength of the cup as when the cup is made of paper, and therefore the slot 31 can extend for slightly more than 180 without seriously affecting the strength .of the cup. Thus, it willbe understood that the term approximately 180, as used herein, means that the slot can be more'than 180, but also can be less than 180. As shown in Figs. 5 'and 6, the slot 31 is approximately equal to 180.

The cup C, similar to the cup C of Figs. .1 and 2, 'is provided with a partition 32 which is normally disposed within the slot 31 when the cup is used for drinkingpurposes, being provided with a front edge '33 which in closed position, as'in'Fig. 6, provides an aperture adjacent the inner wall of the cup for the same purposeias the apertures 16 and 16' of Figs. 2 and 3, respectively. While the frontedge 33 of the {partition 32 extends transversely across the cup in closed position, it will be understood that the front edge may be shaped in the manner illustrated in Fig. 2 or in either of Figs. 3 or 4, and also that the partition 12 of the cup of Fig. 2 may be provided with a front edge similar to the edge 33 of Fig. 6. The edges 34 of the partition may be arcuate between the front edge 33 and the inner ends of the slot 31, with the partition in closed position, to correspond to the curvature of the inside of the cup, although in the event that the slot 31 is less than 180", the partition may be provided with straight sides similar to sides 17 of Fig. 2, which are limited in width to the distance between the inner ends of the slot, as before.

The partition 32 may also be provided with a small hole 35 to provide an intake for air when the cup is tipped up for drinking purposes, since with the construction shown in Fig. 6, an effective seal is provided between the arcuate edges 34 and the inside of the cup, as well as between the bottom of the partition 32 and the lower edge of slot 31. The partition 32 may also be provided with an outwardly extending tab 36, which extends around the rear side of the partition and preferably corresponds in radial extent to the radial extent of the slot 31. The ends 37 of tab 36 maybe beveled outwardly to form shoulders as shown, while the outer edge of tab 36 may be provided with a head or rim 38 for reinforcing purposes. Also, the ends 39 of the slot 31 may be beveled, as in Fig. 7, to correspond ininclination to the ends 37 of the tab 36 when the partition is in closed position. Also, the shoulder 37 at each end of tab 36 may slant slightly rearwardly, but may extend radially or at any other desired angle, although the engagement of the ends 37 of tab 36 with the ends 39 of slot 31, when the ends of the slot and the ends of the tab correspond in inclination, tends to provide a more effective seal at the ends of the slot. The thickness of slot 31 is preferably equal to the thickness of partition 32, insofar as tolerance of manufacture will permit, the fit being preferably such that the partition may be moved inwardly and outwardly in slot 31 without undue difficulty. The tab 36 and particularly the ends 37 also permit the partition to be moved between open and closed positions with only one hand of the user, in which the cup is held, as by exerting pressure with the thumb in the direction of the arrow 40 of Fig. 7, against one of the ends 37 of tab 36, as in the dotted or closed position of Fig. 7. As will be evident, continued pressure in the direction of arrow 40 will move one end of the partition 32 outwardly, as to the dot-dash position of Fig. 7 and then-to the substantially open, or full line position thereof. During such movement, the opposite end or shoulder 37 of tab 36 pivots against the corresponding end 39 of slot 31, as will be evident from Fig. 7. Thus, the partition may be held in one hand and readily moved from closed to open position. Similarly, when the partition is to'be moved back to closed position, the cup may'still be held in one hand and one finger placed against the rear edge of the partition 32 so that by inward pressure, the partition may be moved in the reverse direction, i. e., from the full to the dot-dash and then to the dotted or closed position of Fig. 7.

The front edge of the partition may have different shapes, such as illustrated in Fig. 9, in which the partition 32' is substantially identical with partition 32 of Fig. 6 except for the front edge 33', which is concave on a radius slightly greater than the radius of the arcuate hole 21 of Fig. 4, it being evident that when the front edge of the cup is concave, it may extend arcuately to any desired radius, or may have other shapes. Also, it will be evident that the front edge of the partition can be either concave or convex, or extend straight across.

From the foregoing, it will be evident that the drinking receptacle of this invention fulfills to a marked degree the requirements and objects hereinbefore set forth. As is apparent, when in substantially closed position, the partition of each embodiment prevents the sudden discharge of the entire liquid contents of the receptacle,

and minimizes the tendency for any of the contents to be spilled. This is particularly true in the case of a sudden downward movement, or a sudden downward and upward movement of the receptacle, which would ordinarily cause the entire contents to be ejected. Also, the amount of liquid which will be spilled before the receptacle can be righted, after accidental tipping or knocking over, is limited. The slot and partition are preferably spaced below the top of the receptacle, to provide suflicient space above the partition to permit the nose of the user to extend into the space while drinking, and thereby avoid tipping the head back an uncomfortable or inconvenient amount.

When in substantially open position, the partition permits ready access to the interior of the receptacle, as for filling, for stirring the contents, or placing sugar, cream or the like in a beverage. The partition is also readily removed, for cleaning purposes, although held relatively tightly during use by friction against the edges of the slot. As indicated previously, a relatively wide range of materials may be utilized, as well as various difierent forms and shapes, particularly of the partition.

Although dilferent embodiments of this invention have been illustrated and described, it will be understood that features of one embodiment may be used in another, that other embodiments may exist, and that numerous changes may be made, in addition to those described, all without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In a receptacle adapted to contain liquid and to be used for drinking purposes and the like, the combination of a single transverse slot in the side wall of said receptacle and extending for less than 180, said receptacle being circular in cross-section at least at said slot; and a partition adapted to extend through said slot and at least substantially across the inside of said receptacle, said partition being movable between a substantially open position in which access to pour liquid into said receptacle is provided, and a substantially closed position in which said partition tends to limit the ejection of liquid from said receptacle as a consequence of a sudden movement of said receptacle, said partition and receptacle being so constructed and arranged to provide, in said closed position, at least one restricted opening adjacent the wall of said receptacle, for flow of liquid during drinking and the like, and that portion of said partition received within said receptacle in closed position being limited in width to the transverse distance between the ends of said slot.

2. In a receptacle adapted to contain liquid and to be used for drinking purposes and the like, the combination of a single transverse slot in the side wall of said receptacle and extending for less than 180, said receptacle being circular in cross-section at least at said slot; and a movable partition adapted to extend through said slot and at least substantially across the inside of said receptacle in substantially closed position, said partition being movable between a substantially open position and said substantially closed position, the rear edge of said partition extending outwardly from said receptacle and the front edge of said partition providing a restricted opening for fluid flow in said substantially closed position, and that portion of said partition received within said receptacle in closed position being limited in width to the transverse distance between the ends of said slot.

3. A drinking cup for containing liquid, having a generally cylindrical side wall provided with a transverse slot spaced below the top of said side wall, said side wall being imperforate below and above said slot and said slot extending for less than 180; and a partition having a thickness approximately the thickness of said slot and slidable in said slot between a substantially open position in which access to pour liquid into said receptacle is provided, and a substantially closed position in which said partition tends to limit the ejection of liquid from said receptacle as a consequence of a sudden movement of said receptacle, said partition being so constructed and arranged as to provide at least one restricted opening spaced from said slot and between the edge of said partition and the wall of said receptacle, for flow of liquid during drinking and the like, and said partition having lateral edges of limited extent disposed in parallel relation and spaced apart a distance corresponding to the transverse distance between the ends of said slot.

4. In a receptacle adapted to contain liquid and to be used for drinking purposes and the like, the combination of a transverse slot in the side wall of said receptacle and extending for slightly less than therearound; and a partition adapted to extend through said slot and at least substantially across the inside of said receptacle, said partition being movable between a substantially open position in which access to pour liquid into said receptacle is provided, and a substantially closed position in which said partition tends to limit the ejection of liquid from said receptacle as a consequence of a sudden movement of said receptacle, said partition having a convex front edge of greater radius than the inside of said receptacle to provide a restricted opening opposite said slot and between the edge of said partition and the wall of said receptacle, for flow of liquid during drinking and the like, said partition having a rearwardly extending tab and a shoulder formed at each side of said tab, said partition also having straight generally parallel sides between said convex front edge and said shoulders to provide a width not greater than the distance between the edges of said slot.

5. In a receptacle adapted to contain liquid and to be used for drinking purposes and the like, the combination of a single transverse slot in the side wall of said receptacle extending for less than 180; and a partition adapted to extend through said slot and substantially across the inside of said receptacle, said partition being movable between a substantially open position in which relatively free access to pour liquid into said receptacle is provided, and a substantially closed position in which said partition tends to prevent the ejection of liquid from said receptacle as a consequence of a sudden movement of said receptacle, said partition having a concave arcuate front edge between arcuate edges adapted to engage the inside of said receptacle, said con cave edge providing in closed position a restricted opening between one edge thereof and the wall of said receptacle, for flow of liquid during drinking and the like, and said partition also having a rearwardly extending tab having an arcuate, convex rear edge, rearwardly sloping shoulders at the front ends of said tab at either side thereof, and lateral edges extending forwardly from said shoulders in parallel relation and spaced apart a distance corresponding to the transverse distance between the ends of said slot.

6. In a receptacle adapted to contain liquid and to be used for drinking purposes and the like, the combination of a single transverse slot in the side wall of said receptacle and extending for less than 180, said receptacle being circular in cross-section at least at said slot; and a movable partition adapted to extend through said slot and at least substantially across the inside of said receptacle in substantially closed position, said partition being movable between a substantially open position and said substantially closed position, the rear edge of said partition extending outwardly from said receptacle and the front edge of said partition providing a restricted opening for fluid flow in said substantially closed position, said partition being provided with a shoulder at each side adapted to engage an inner edge of said slot and that portion of said partition received within said receptacle in closed position being limited in width to the transverse distance between the ends of said slot.

7. In a receptacle as defined in claim 6, wherein the rear edge of said partition is arcuate.

8. In a receptacle as defined in claim 6, wherein the 7 -front edge of each said shoulder of said partition extends transversely.

'9. In a receptacle as defined in claim 6, wherein the front edge of each said shoulder of said partition is inc'lined rear-wardly.

10. In a receptacle as defined in claim 6, wherein the front 'edge of said partition is convex.

11. In a receptacle adapted to contain liquid and to be used for drinking-purposes and the'like,--the combination'of a single transverse slot in the side wall of-said receptacle and extending forapproxirnately 180; and a partition adapted to extend through said-slot and at least substantially across the inside of said receptacle, said partition being-movable between 1 a substantially open position in which access to-pour liquid 'into said receptacle is prov'ided, and a substantially closed position in which said partition tends to 'limit theejection of liquid from saidrec'eptacle as a consequence of a sudden movement of said receptacle, said partition and receptacle being so constructed and arranged-to provide, in said-closed position, .at-least one restrictedopening adjacent the Wall of said receptacle, for flow of liquid-during drinking and the like, and said partition having a tab which in closed position extends rearwardly from said receptacle and said 'tab "having a shoulder at each side engaging the cor-responding end of said slot with said partition in closed position.

1-2. In a receptacle as defined in claim 11, wherein a portion of the front edge of said partition is concave and the remainder of said front edge has substantially the-same diameter as said receptacle at the position of said partition.

13. 'In a receptacle as defined in claim 11, wherein-a portion of the front edge of said partition extends straight across said receptacle with said partition in closed position and the remainder of said front edge has substantially the same diameter as said receptacle at the position of said partition.

-14. In a receptacle adapted to contain liquid and to be-used for drinking purposes and the like, the combination of a single transverse slot in the side Wall of said receptacle and extending for approximately 180, said receptacle being circular-in cross-section at least at said slot; and a movable partition adapted to extend through said slot and at least substantially across the inside of said receptacle in substantially closed position, said partition being movable between a substantially open position and said substantially closed position, the front edge of said partition providing a restricted opening for fluid flow in said substantially closed position and that portion of said partition received within said receptacle in closed position being limited in width to the transverse distance between the ends of said slot.

15. In a receptacle adapted to contain liquid and to be used for drinking purposes and the like, the combination of a transverse slot in the side wall of said receptacle and extending for at least approximately 180 therearound, said receptacle being imperforate above and below-said slot; and a-part-ition adapted-to extend through said slot'and at leastsubstantially-acrossthe inside'of-said receptacle, said partition being movable between a substantiallyopen position in which access to pour liquid into said receptacle -is provided, andasubstantially closed positionin which said partition tends to limit the ejection of liquid from said receptacle as a consequence of a sudden movement ofsaid receptacle, said partition having a front edge, ;a:por.t=ion which :extendsstraight across the inside. of saidireoeptacle with said partition in-closed position, to provide axrestric-tedopening-opposite said slot and between the edgeiof 'said partition and the wall of said receptacle, for flow of liquid during drinking and 'the like, 23nd@1116-I1Tl3111d6fl9ftl16ff0ilt edge-of said slot having a radius corresponding .to the radius of said receptacle at theposition'oflsaid partition; said partition having .a .rcanwardly extending tab and an oblique shoulder formed .at each side of said tab, each said shoulder engaging the corresponding .end of said slot with saidpar-tition in closed position and each end of said slot being'beveledfro-correspond to the inclination of -the respective shoulder.

16. In areceptacleadapted .to :contain'liquid and to be usedfior drinking purposesand thelike, the combination ofaa'transverseslot in the side wall of said receptacle and tending for at least approximately there- .around, :said receptacle :jbeing imperfor-ate above and belowsaidslot; and ,a;p artition-adapted to extend through said slot and at least substantially .across the inside of said treceptaiclqsaid tflartition :?being movable between a substantially zopenlpositiondn which. access :to.p.our liquid into said receptacle is provided, .and a substantially closed position{ =-which ,saidj-partitionttends to limit the ejection of liquid ifmm :said receptacle as a consequence of a sudden movement pf-.said,-;receptacle,saidpartition havns -mm eas i lwrtion oflwhich'is concavenoiprovide ,a restricted 'openingwopposite said slot and between the .edge ofisaid partition and the wall of said receptacle, for flow of liquid during drinking and theilike, and the remainder ofthe front edge of said slot'havinga radius corresponding to theradius of said receptacle atthe position of said partition; saidpartition having a rearwardly extending tab and an oblique shoulder formed at each side of said tab, eachsa-id shoulder engaging the corresponding end of said slot with said partition in closed position and each end of said slot being beveled to correspond to the inclination of the respective shoulder.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 324,427 Steinbach Aug. 18, 1885 566,563 Derr Aug. 26, 1896 678,325 White July 9, 1901 897,458 Dickeson Sept. 1, 1908 1,319,024 Warfield Oct. 14, 1919 FOREIGN PATENTS 191,561 Germany Nov. 14, 1907 

